DR DELIA BERNARDI
PASTORAL COUNSELLING | CPSC 2025P04345 |
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (GBV) SPECIALIST |
DPHIL (CRIMINOLOGY)
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (GBV) SPECIALIST |
DPHIL (CRIMINOLOGY)
Counselling that brings healing and freedom
Pastoral and specialised trauma counselling (Trauma Incident Reduction [TIR], Unblocking) to help you gently process what happened and move forward – without spending years stuck in the same stories.
You are
LOVED
Here for
YOU
When trauma won’t
stay in the past
Maybe some of this feels uncomfortably familiar:
Waiting for something bad to happen
You know you’re technically safe now, but your body doesn’t believe it. You can’t relax, you’re always waiting for something bad to happen.
You still struggle to trust people
You’ve tried therapy before – maybe for years – and you still struggle to trust people or feel close to anyone without waiting for them to turn on you.
Everyday things feel heavy
Everyday things feel heavy: Doing tasks, answering messages, making decisions, getting out the door.
Being around people feels unsafe or exhausting
You spend a lot of time in bed or on your own, zoning out, because being around people feels unsafe or exhausting.
Keep falling into, relationships where you’re mistreated
You stay in, or keep falling into, relationships where you’re mistreated… because you’re not sure what “healthy” even looks like anymore.
“Underneath all of that, there’s usually a quiet wish:
I just want to feel safe. I want to know what it’s like to be loved, treated kindly, and not live with this constant knot in my stomach”.
I just want to feel safe. I want to know what it’s like to be loved, treated kindly, and not live with this constant knot in my stomach”.
Why my approach is different
A lot of clients tell me: “I’ve tried therapy. I talked and talked. It opened boxes, but nothing really changed”. While my work is grounded in professional training and evidence-based practice, as a victim of abuse myself, for many years, my understanding of trauma and recovery is also informed by lived experience. This allows me to meet clients with authenticity, compassion and appreciation for the complex realities of abuse and recovery. That’s why my work is different and effective.
Specialised in trauma and abuse
My background is in Criminology with a doctorate focused on intervention and intimate partner violence (IPV), commonly referred to as gender-based violence (GBV). My work is shaped by a deep, experiential understanding of the dynamics of trauma, abuse, control, shame, and fear.
Counselling with a faith perspective
My practice integrates professional counselling standards with pastoral counselling. If your faith is important to you, you are at the right place. I do also use psychological methodologies as well. The focus is always your well-being and healing -setting the captives free.
Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR)
TIR is a structured, focused method that helps you gently revisit specific traumatic incidents in a safe, controlled way, until the emotional charge reduces. Instead of circling around the trauma, I work directly with what is holding you back.
Unblocking: Guidance when you feel blocked
If you’re standing at a crossroads, I don’t just sit silently while you talk. I ask questions and help you unpack options, see patterns, and come to decisions that are realistic, safe, and sustainable for your life.
Quick and effective
You don’t have to sit in therapy for years with mediocre results. My methods are designed to be efficient and targeted, so you can notice shifts in how you feel and function – not just collect more information and still feel stuck.
Tailor-made for your story
No two people have the same history, culture, or risks. Every client gets a personalised approach based on what you’ve been through and what you need right now in your situation.
Here to help you find answers that are within your reach, and solutions that are sustainable for your life.
Who I work with
I work primarily with adults who are ready to reclaim their lives. If you relate to any of these, this space is for you:
Services
A tailor-made approach that is specific to your situation and needs.
Trauma counselling and Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR)
For people who feel like the trauma is still “living in their body” – flashbacks, nightmares, triggers, panic, numbness.
Support for intimate partner violence / GBV
For people currently in, leaving, or recovering from abusive relationships. Informed by both academic study and lived experience.
Pastoral
counselling
counselling
For people who want their faith and spiritual life to be part of their healing. We always keep your emotional safety at the centre.
Unblocking and decision-making support
For people who are no longer in crisis but feel blocked, unable to access motivation, clarity or making decisions.
Group Debriefing after a traumatic event
For people wishing to reduce or prevent the symptoms of trauma. It is usually (but not always) a single-session intervention.
Affiliate of
CPSC
CPSC
Delia Bernardi Counselling is affiliated with the Council for Pastoral and Spiritual Counsellors.
A simple process – what you can expect
You’ve probably seen complicated “how it works” diagrams on other counselling websites. This is simpler.
1
Reach out
Send a message or email and briefly share what you’re dealing with, and whether you prefer in-person (if possible) or online sessions.
2
First conversation
We talk through what’s been happening, what you’ve already tried, and what you would like to be different. You don’t have to share everything all at once.
3
Tailored plan
Together we decide which approach fits best: Pastoral counselling, TIR, Unblocking – or a combination.
4
Working together
As we work we can check in: What’s shifting? What still feels stuck? We adjust as needed to keep the process practical, collaborative and integrative.
What our clients notice in a short period
Without promising too much, many people describe changes like:
See what others have said.
Client testimonials
“Delia Bernardi’s counselling helped me find real breakthrough and lasting change. I strongly recommend her”.
Alex
Tutor
“Delia’s counselling helped uncover deep-rooted issues from my past and brought real healing. I’m truly grateful”.
David
Student
“Delia helped me untangle long-held childhood trauma, and I felt immediate freedom and confidence. I highly recommend a session”.
Christell
Business Owner
Pricing and packages
Because every situation is different, fees can vary depending on individual versus group work, the type of service, and whether sessions are in-person or online.
To get more info on my fee structure, please reach out. I’ll share the current fees clearly before you commit to anything, so you can make an informed decision that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the process and what to expect.
I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help. Why would this be any different?
That’s a very common concern. My work is different because it is trauma-specific, abuse-informed, and grounded in both professional methods and faith. Alongside structured approaches like Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR), sessions intentionally invite God’s presence and guidance.
What is Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR) in simple terms?
What is the difference between TIR and Unblocking?
What is it pastoral counselling?
Does pastoral counselling work well with TIR?
Do you work with women as well as male victims of abuse?
Is it safe to contact you if I’m still in an abusive relationship?
Do you offer online sessions?
Do I have to talk about religion or faith?
What is trauma?
What are common responses to trauma?
You don’t have to do this alone
If you’re reading this with that familiar tightness in your chest, wondering if it’s “bad enough” to ask for help: You don’t have to wait for things to get worse.